Prince William History Free Lecture Series: Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincoln's Killer

Ages 8+ | FREE | Old Manassas Courthouse

In April 1865, as the nation reeled from Lincoln's assassination, the U.S. Navy scoured the Potomac River for John Wilkes Booth. Anchored near Blackistone Lighthouse, the barge Black Diamond waited in vain to intercept the assassin. That night, tragedy struck when the steamer Massachusetts collided with the vessel, sending the Black Diamond to the river's bottom and leaving 87 men dead. Author Karen E. Stone reveals the story of a heroic pursuit turned tragic. This lecture is a FREE program jointly sponsored by the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation and Historic Prince William.